Description
Bring the holidays to life with this simple, perfectly tangy homemade cranberry sauce. A delightful balance of tart cranberries, sweet orange juice, and customizable sugar levels ensures that this recipe will become a must-have on your dinner table. Whether served warm or chilled, this sauce is bursting with flavor and ready to complement any dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½–1 cup white sugar, adjusted to taste:
- ½ cup for a tart sauce
- ¾ cup for mild sweetness
- 1 cup for a sweeter sauce
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Ingredients:
Rinse the cranberries under cold water, removing any bruised or soft berries. Measure your sugar based on your preferred sweetness level. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. Stir to mix evenly. -
Cook the Mixture:
Place the saucepan on medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop and the sugar is fully dissolved (about 10 minutes). -
Adjust the Consistency:
- For a chunky texture, remove the sauce from heat once the cranberries have burst and the liquid has thickened slightly.
- For a smoother sauce, let it cool slightly and puree with an immersion or regular blender.
-
Cool and Serve:
Let the sauce cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar to suit your desired level of sweetness.
- Add orange zest, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or a splash of liqueur for a unique twist.
- Cranberry sauce tastes even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors meld beautifully over time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American